Research on the correlation between wind and block spatial form focuses mainly on hot and humid cities. However, cold regions are also experiencing high summer temperatures due to global climate change. Enhancing wind speed in blocks through urban spatial control improves comfort. Existing research cannot be directly applied to cold regions due to natural differences. Using Xi’an as an example, this study explores the impact of high-rise residential block spatial form on internal and external wind environments through field measurements and simulations. Optimal strategies for block planning and architectural design are identified to improve the wind environment. Results show that blocks with high buildings on the south and north sides and low buildings in the middle achieve a more comfortable internal wind environment. Gradually increasing building height from south to north has minimal impact on downwind blocks. Reducing the angle between the main facade and dominant wind direction enhances the residential area’s wind environment. Specific spatial planning and design strategies are summarized for early-stage decision-making.

This study investigates the impact of spatial changes over a 400-year period on the summer microclimate of a residential courtyard in China. Using ENVI-met simulations, we analyze how factors such as courtyard orientation, building height, and opening positions affect the thermal environment. The results show that east–west-oriented courtyards experienced 0.2–0.4 °C lower daytime temperatures compared to north–south ones. Additionally, taller surrounding buildings increased the courtyard’s average daytime temperature by approximately 0.3–0.5 °C, while courtyards with a single opening facing the prevailing wind maintained the lowest temperatures. These findings underscore the importance of historical spatial characteristics in shaping microclimates and offer key insights for contemporary urban planning. By incorporating design strategies based on these historical spatial features, such as optimizing courtyard orientation, enhancing building height variability, and creating appropriate openings for natural ventilation, urban planners can improve microclimate conditions, reduce reliance on mechanical cooling, and enhance energy efficiency. This approach not only contributes to lowering carbon emissions but also boosts resilience to extreme heat events in urban areas, especially in regions facing rapid urbanization and climate change challenges.

Along with the aging process, the number of elders with dementia in China is increasing rapidly. However, both the facilities constructed and policies made for them as well as the relevant research and explanation are almost blank so far. Focused on their special physical and psychological status and living demands, this paper proposes corresponding design strategies respectively on environmental atmosphere, care conditions, safety assurance and communication space based on the analysis and summary of relevant cases of residential environment for the aged at home and abroad. Finally a construction model of residential space environment for elders with dementia, which is applicable to the current situation of China, is established and it can be summarized as family-based type(positioning), small group (scale), circle-type road (path), and layered care system (layout).

The paper analyses the construction experience and composition characteristics of Hong Kong elderly service facility system, and summarizes the spatial planning features and development pattern. Combining with the current development in mainland, this article gives suggestion to construct a reasonable and fair facility system for elderly, and provides reference to urban and rural elderly facility for further scientific planning and construction.